Eurobuild CEE: Who do you most admire in the real estate business?

Eyal Litwin, Adgar Poland: Ray Kroc: the founder of Macdonald’s for the way he developed his real estate holding through branches.

How did you first get into real estate?

I was recruited as the group CTO to bring fresh ideas from IT world to our buildings in 2002. Today this is called “PropTech”.

What do you regard as your greatest professional success so far?

Definitely the success of Adgar Park West and the new life we have brought to it, and above all receiving the Tenant Award in 2017.

What is your greatest failure?

At the beginning of my career I was focused too much on IP telephony and I couldn’t see where the market was going. We lost money and wasted a lot of work on that.

What contribution do you think you have made to Polish society through your business activities?

That we have brought fresh ideas like Kindergartens, Conference Centres, Bikes, and a “no fence” policy, as well as concepts such as Brain Embassy and Be Yourself (BE & BeYS). Each time we were considered as weird but then we were copied.

Which major projects are you planning in the near future?

We are focusing on purchases in the city centre as well as introducind our two start-ups from Poland (BE & BeYS) to other countries.

Which is your favourite building and why?

The Adgar Plaza complex. It’s of a higher standard than any that exist in Poland and it still looks the same as the day it was completed.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Bill Gates, for his contribution to the way we work today but also for his global contribution to humanitarian causes. His vision is unique.

With which historical figure do you most identify?

David Ben Gurion, who was from Płonsk and established the State Of Israel. He was a small man but a giant visionary.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

I would wake up really early, “clean” my mailbox, get on my bike for few hours, then go with the family for some outdoor activities and finish the day at a good steak place.

Which is your favourite restaurant and why?

Manta Ray, Alma Beach, TLV. It has the best seafood, the best atmosphere and its right on Tel Aviv’s beautiful beach.

Who is your closest friend and why?

I have a few and all of them are bikers. Biking is the best bonding and social activity.

Which characteristic do you hate most in others?

Laziness and a conservatism that can’t accept changes.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone that contributed more than he consumed.